In her recently released essay collection , comedian and satirical talk show host Ziwe says it best regarding 's infamous conservatorship: "What does it say about a society when one of its most famous women is held captive in plain sight as a result of our collective objectification and dehumanization?" The delicate question has been the subject of much discussion, from the New York Times documentary Framing Britney Spears to the Hulu-hosted TMZ Investigates: Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom and more.
With the release of her memoir, Spears finally weighs in on her own life, and she sets the record straight about everything from her days of early fame to life under conservatorship control, and all the ups and downs in between. Fans everywhere have been waiting for Britney’s take, and finally, at long last, The emotion in Britney’s voice is palpable as she reads the introduction herself, telling listeners that writing her story has been so "exciting and heart-wrenching" that she decided against narrating the entire work.
Instead, Spears turns over the mic to award-winning performer Michelle Williams who makes her audiobook debut and brings her incredible acting chops to the challenge of depicting one of America’s most famous women. Her narration is clear and calming, bringing a sense of serenity to Spears's incredible story. No stranger to portraying complexity, Williams is known for the depth, gravitas, and sensitivity she brings to her roles including her expert performances in My Week with Marilyn, Brokeback Mountain, and Shutter Island.
Living her dream
Britney on touring in the early 2000s
Below are some of the most notable moments from Britney Spears's long-awaited memoir:
Controlling Conservatorship
Conservatorships are meant to prioritize the wishes of the conservatee in an effort to help them regain their independence. They are also meant to be a last resort, of sorts, for individuals unable to meet their own basic needs. In Spears's case, she was performing internationally under the court-appointed conservatorship that controlled her every move for more than a decade:
